some changes

On 21 February, it will be a year since I worked last. From that date in 2008, I have had quite the year. I hope that in hind sight I see less of the frustration and manic job searching; the nearly 250 jobs or companies I applied to, and more of the blessings in having time off. Listed below are some of the wonderful notables from the past year of my unplanned unemployment:

• My flight pattern since I was at McMurdo Station: ZCM-CHC-AKL-SYD-BNE-LAX-SEA-BLI, YVR-YYZ-ORD-SDF-ORD-DEN-MIA-PAP-MIA-DEN-PDX-SEA-BLI, SEA-DFW-GRU-DFW-SEA, BLI-SEA-DEN-SEA-BLI. I love to fly!
  
• I took two road trips: One by myself to California, and one with Storey, in Australia.
• Brazil. Simply Fantastic!
• There are a few new and way-old friends who I never expected to hear much from again, but who have become quite dear to me. Thank you specifically to, Janelle, Maria, Leeps, Amanda, and Scott.
• I have been able to see every member of my immediate family, including Sara who moved closer to me in Seattle.
• I served with my church in Haiti. Unforgettable.
• Finding my great coffee spot in Boulevard Park!
• I spent a wonderful amount of time with the children of my friends and cousins (thanks Aaron & Jen for the photo)!
• My 30th birthday rolled around!
• Somehow, I managed to stay financially afloat. You know that story in the Bible about the woman who's oil is miraculously replenished...
• Coffee...mmmm...
• I have been able to spend about four months in Washington, which is the closest I have to 'home.'
  

Things will be changing here on my blog and in my life this week. I am both excited and apprehensive about moving forward in my life. As I have been looking for a job, there have been a few people at the top of my list who have taken extraordinary amounts of time with me or made me feel valuable when I was most down. Thanks again for the patience and positivity; you know who you are!

not for the faint-hearted

Something of note recently came to my attention. Of all the fascinating people in Antarctica, Joe, who I met last year on The Ice, is back again this year as a shuttle driver. He is also celebrating his 80th birthday! My friend, Kris, wrote a nice post about him. Happy Birthday, Joe!

on the pacific coast

On the Pacific Coast, we like to eat clam chowder. One of the famous brands for this delectable treat is Ivar's Seafood restaurant. Their chowder is thick and creamy and delicious.

However, for those of us who cannot frequent the Ivar's so much, there's always a good homemade recipe. I visited my friends, Dave and Chelsea two weeks ago and had some fantastic clam and corn chowder with them. Yesterday, I cooked up a batch and it turned out quite tasty. So, I recommend you give this recipe a shot, too. Use your big pan, it makes a generous amount.

PS. I used 'seafood' stock if you can find it. Only one of three grocers I visited carried it.

presentation and reception

Recently, I have been reflecting on the art of gift-giving and, more pertinent to my place in life, receiving.

I was a pretty good volleyball player in junior high and high school. Often times, after games people would give me compliments and I would brush them off or bring up all the errors I could think of. Finally, one evening, my dad told me that I should say 'thank you' and accept the compliment.

You would think I learned my lesson about being a gracious recipient from that point on; and it certainly gives me reason to pause and appreciate what other people give to me. However, I have walked around with a conception throughout my life that it's ok for me to extend myself toward others, but I don't need to receive anything back.

I love to send notes and letters. I feel guilty about how many birthday cards I am sending with 'belated' wishes, or not at all. I know what it feels like to get a "real" piece of mail in the post. I like to send thoughts, prayers, wishes.

But, here I am, more recently, learning again, to be so grateful for a little encouraging e-mail I might receive, for all the people who have let me stay in their home for a night, or a week, or more, for the occasion to have lunch out with a friend, or for the Starbucks card that shows up in the mail, or stopping by some one's house for an hour, or a few. It is certainly nice to be thought of; nice to know people take time to remember me. Instead of feeling bad that someone went out of their way for me, I remember what I feel like when I give something to someone else. We are blessed to bless others.

This concept was emphasized on Sunday when we were all given a challenge to bless others because we are blessed, based on Matthew's Great Commission. This also ties in with "to whom much is given, much will also be required," and the concept of philanthropy or tithing. When we are endowed with gifts or treasures, we should give back.

One more thing I found valuable last Sunday: Jesus uses the broken people in the Bible; he also uses us.

encountering encounters

I went to rent a movie (that hasn't been released yet) today. It was a bit disappointing that I left the store without it.

I did, however, notice that Encounters at the End of the World was on the shelf as a new release. It took me by surprise to see, not one, but four copies of this social documentary, and all four were checked out. This made me smile.

If you wonder why I am so fascinated by this, it is because this movie was filmed while I was in Antarctica, and I know nearly all the people featured in this film. And, I have a (probably coffee stained) copy of the Antarctic Sun with the producer, Werner Herzog's signature on it.

I know I've mentioned this flick before, but go rent it for an extraordinary and interesting look into the society at McMurdo Station and beyond.

back to bellingham

I arrived in Bellingham on Wednesday, late afternoon. On Tuesday, I had arranged to meet with my high school friend, Andrea, in Vancouver for lunch and we had a lovely time getting reacquainted and talking through life's events since high school. She is an amazingly vibrant woman and I'm glad we were able to spend a couple hours together!

I had hoped to meet another friend in Tacoma, but, due to illness, canceled that and drove out to Shelton, Washington to have dinner with Rich, one of the Air Force crew who flew on my deployment flight last year to Antarctica. It is strange to reconnect with people from The Ice, but usually a lot of fun; and this was no exception.

From there I drove to Seattle, in a massive rain and windstorm (in three places, I could see that trees had fallen across the freeway only minutes or hours before). Sara played hostess for the evening and I slept at her apartment.

In the morning, I met up with Susan, another friend from high school who is home from studying in Switzerland. She and I have a great relationship and could probably talk for days.

Here's my trip by the numbers. I drove 2565 miles total; 1102 down, 1463 back. I was gone 3 weeks, or 21 days, visiting 3 states in that time, and stopping at 7 gas stations. I celebrated 2 holidays with 2 different kinds of my "family." I sat in 1 interstate closure for a 6 semi, 23 car pileup. I saw at least 15 elephant seals and picked up 1 new Starbucks mug for my collection (Portland). I returned to 26 Christmas cards in the mail. And, I drank lots of coffee.

friends and waterfalls

On my last day in Oregon, we decided to trek out to Multnomah Falls. The weather turned quite rainy, but it's a waterfall; so you're bound to get wet anyway, right? Due to the heavy amounts of melting snow and rain, plenty of waterfalls were cascading down rock faces on their way to the Columbia River. I am continually impressed at how much water escapes from the hills; it seems like it should run out.

I hadn't visited this falls for quite awhile and while it looks pretty much the same as I remember it, I really like rediscovering things with an adult mind. As a kid, I seemed to miss the significance of places I visited or things I saw. Now is a better time to remember and recreate thoughts about places.

In the evening, I was able to get together with a friend, Laura, who I went to kindergarten with. She has a family with three boys and lives in Beaverton. Our time spent together was filled with warm conversation and stories about the unusual paths that God has lead us on and how he has developed our lives to be where they are right now.

The next morning, I packed up and was on the road again.

an extended visit

On the way back to Washington, I spent a week in the Portland area to visit friends. My family has known the Leep family from well before I was a thought. In addition to spending a lot of time resting and enjoying the New Year, I gratefully took advantage of getting to know them a bit better again!

Some of the highlights with them were watching Uncle Carl, unsuccessfully roast chestnuts over an open fire, shopping (only a little bit) and going out for coffee several times; once at their family-favorite shop called Long Bottom, cracking open fresh crab and eating it with bread and butter, and sleeping in.

I found this week's stay to be just what I needed for some rest and relaxation!

another stop

I arranged to meet my friends, Storey and Austin, again, in Chico on the way back north. I had a fantastic time catching up with them both. I made my lime hamburgers for them over football and conversations about Antarctica.

Storey took me on a tour of the town. We walked around the park (I loved how still the water was in this retention pool), ran some errands, and had tacos with his amazing salsa for dinner. It wasn't quite like Australia, where we last toured around together, but still fun to get out and do something for an afternoon with a friend! I am glad I stopped through on my way back.

fun friends

Shortly after Christmas, I realized I had a friend from Antarctica within a half hour drive. It turned out that his place was right on the way to the California Coast. So, on my way out of Visalia, I drove through Lemoore, California and stopped in to see Dan and his girlfriend, Karen.

I know Dan from Antarctica and he was a better friend with my sister. It was fun to catch up with him for the better part of an hour and talk about where we've been and where we hope to go. Dan is currently on his parent's farm until he can figure out the next best adventure job to head off for. I left him with a few of the oranges from my 22 pound box, too.

the rest of the story

I left Portland around 11:40am and headed south again. I hoped to ditch the snow around Salem, but the white weather lined the roadways all the way through Northern California; until I arrived about 30 miles north of Redding. Over the pass in the Siskiyou Mountains, I was required to carry chains for my tires, so I spent a few bucks in Ashland, Oregon on chains that I can return. I never even came close to needing them. I spent 8.5 hours in the car on a mostly wet interstate.

I have friends in Chico, California where I spent my night. I had a good time hanging out with Storey and Jayden for the evening. The next morning, I was on the road again toward Visalia, California. Although, it was my shortest day and the roads were in much better condition, I was tired and glad to arrive at my destination.

I have had a great time so far with my cousins, Mark and Annette, and their three boys. We have made all sorts of Christmas goodies and I have had fun playing with the boys. I have learned more about Thomas the Train this trip than I thought I would be familiar with! And, I'm much warmer than I would be if I had stayed in Washington!

random items about myself

My friend, Kris, posted seven random things about herself; so following suit:

one. Today my car turned 76,300 miles. No significance, just random.

two. I am currently reading 8 books.

three. I once had a cold that "moved into my eye" and caused a cataract-like fog to impede my vision.

four. It seems a bit strange when I have to run by the cemetery when there is smoke coming out the crematorium's chimney.

five. I love to surround myself with warm, inviting colors, but my favorite color is blue.

six. I never wanted to learn how to drive. But, I loved it when I finally received my drivers' license. I had to take each test from drivers' ed to the DMV written and driving tests two times.

seven. Speaking of driving, the only self-inflicted incident I have caused was running into a snow bank on my way to work ($1700 in damages). Ironically, 10 months later, I was selected to drive shuttles in Antarctica where there is an abundance of such impediments. Thanks for hiring me, Kris!

sitting in seattle

This week I have been with my sister, Sara, in Seattle. There is a lovely view of the Space Needle from her new apartment and the ferry boats floating in and out of the city; when it's a clear day, that is.

Yesterday, I met up with Tia, a friend from Antarctica who drove shuttles with me my first season in McMurdo. We had a lovely walk through Volunteer Park and then sat at a coffee shop and caught up with each other. Tia makes amazing jewelry and has been finding great places to expand her business.

Strangely, we hardly talked about our time on Ice at all; mostly caught up on life since then and where we saw ourselves going in the next months. It was really good to meet with Tia in the "real world!"

Regardless of how you voted, this has been a turning point in history. It's been fascinating being in such a democratic venue (the city of Seattle) during this time when Obama won the election. At the coffee shop, they sold Obama cupcakes to commemorate the historical event. Of course, Tia and I had to have our little indulgence in history, so we each purchased one with our coffee! Aside from patriotism, they tasted as good as, or better than, they looked, too!

first autumn in three years

It occurred to me this week that I have not experience the season of autumn for three years. No wonder leaf collecting is such a novelty!

This morning, the relatives took a trip to the McPhail Farm in Lynden for a hayride to the pumpkin patch. The weather was cool (rather autumnal) and started out a bit cloudy, however, this neck of the woods is due for some lovely sunny skies in the weekend, and we saw some sun rays split the clouds before we left.

Our trip involved a short hayride to the pumpkin patch where we wandered about; searching for the perfect orange vegetable. I took some pumpkin pictures, watched the three boys trip, skip, and fall through the muddy vines and weeds, while honing in on the bigger and better looking orange pumpkins. Heading back to the farm buildings, we fed some animals, had some fantastic apple cider, and eventually got chased off the property by some late-season bees.

After lunch and some pumpkin carving (of course), I was able to meet up with Angie, Jessica, and Lucy at the Re-Store. There are plenty of interesting and unique, sometimes old pieces of home improvement projects there. I definitely saw some creative potential with some door handles and a couple of cupboard doors.

The four of us also indulged in a bit of coffee at Espresso Avellinos which is a lovely, quaint spot downtown Bellingham with a quite tasty amaretto latte!

What a great crisp autumn Saturday to spend with family and friends!

the celebrations

The celebrations that contributed to my birthday weekend were wonderful! I did not get to throw myself the birthday bash I had anticipated, but a number of people came together to make it a low-key, special weekend.

On Friday evening, I went out for pizza with my aunt, uncle, cousins, and their children, only to arrive and find out that Aunt Faye (who also contributed the photo) had also invited a few of my friends from the area. Unfortunately, only Janelle and her son were able to come, but it was certainly a good surprise and a warm party to be at!

Saturday brought a trip to the Seattle area to see Sara and participate as one of four birthday honorees at a dinner hosted by some family-friends from our days at Bellevue Christian School. After a late summer and early autumn of stresses and changes for both Sara and myself, this reconnection with friends over a great meal and festive celebration was just what we both needed. Cynicism and sarcasm ran wild, and I haven't shared that many laughs with folks in quite awhile!

Late Sunday morning, I met at Dave and Chelsea's house with Sara and Chelsea's mom for breakfast at Hattie's Hat. My sweet tooth that morning was definitely satisfied with some crepes and the sunny morning was enjoyed with a waltz through a Farmer's Market.

So, now I'm 30. It's back to the job search and trying to exercise patience while waiting for the next "place" in life. The celebration is continuing through my "postcard project." It's nice to have something special in the mail nearly every day.

ushering in a new decade

If you did not already know, today is my 30th birthday. I have been looking forward to this day for quite some time now and actually, look past it, towards what the future holds in my life. This is hopefully a turning point, a new beginning, a day to usher in a new decade of change, new experiences, new friendships, and another batch of adventures (after all, I still have two continents to find my way to, yet). My emergency medical insurance went up $5 per month. I fit a new demographic, but people still ask me if I'm "in school." That will keep me young, but the question is starting to annoy me (seriously, do I look 19?). I'm going for 26. That seemed to be a good age to stall at. I checked this morning and I do look remarkably the same as I did yesterday, though.

Last night, I visited my friend, Maria, in Abbotsford, British Columbia for hot chocolate and three hours of great conversation. On the way home, I realized how amazing it was that we were friends nearly 15 years ago and now that friendship has been restored again this year. I've been doubly blessed!

I also found it amazing that I came full circle. I was born in Abbotsford. So, last night, I was back in the same town where my mom was laboring for my life thirty years ago! And look how many fascinating things have filled that time since!

Thanks for the phone calls, e-cards, e-mails, notes, and postings. It's been fun; keep them coming. I intend to continue celebrating for a week, or two yet! And, if you haven't sent your birthday postcard to me (see above, or click here), I have plenty of them to send out yet!

thoughtfully creative

I received a book today. I came from an old friend of my sister's who has become my friend via our blogs. She sent the gift because she thought it reflected something of me. The book is called, How to be an Explorer of the World by Keri Smith. It's not what you'd expect, but great for me, nonetheless. It's not so much about traveling the earth; although, that can help, but more about exploring the world you find yourself in each new day.

The book begins with T.S. Eliot's quote: We shall not cease from exploration and at the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time (this was me when I moved back to Washington last year).

Within the first two pages I was hooked on the eclectic creativity within these pages. Now I have a creative-idea-source to draw from, assignments to contemplate, and new ways of perceiving the world around me; especially when I'm bored.

I knew this was especially suited to me. When I perused through the pages and found "exploration #33: arrangements," of which part of the idea is to collect something. Leaves were the featured example. Strangely enough, this afternoon on my walk, prior to getting the book in the mail, I collected some bright red leaves that caught my attention and I was ironically thinking of how I could arrange them.

The book is one of the more well-thought-of gifts I've received lately! Thank you, Angie!

southwesty

Today I flipped to the other side of the border and began feeling a little southwesty (in terms of British Columbia that is). I spent most of my day in Abbotsford (Canada) today with my friend, Maria, and her lovely family of in-laws.

I joined she and her husband for church where the message began with a quote from Thomas Merton: "To hope is to risk frustration. Therefore, make up your mind to risk frustration." Frustration and hope; two concepts that I am most familiar with! That sort of clobbered me over the head as some heavy food for thought; although, I do not have to think long to know I have been so frustrated that I'm afraid to hope.

After the service, we had a mouthwatering breakfast of raspberry pancakes before heading off with her to Harrison; home of the hot springs.

The last time I had been up this direction was for our high school choir tour. I have pictures of us wandering around the lake between the mountains. The hot springs in the area have been funneled into a pool and are the very springs that one of my siblings decided to poop in at age one, or two. The entire pool was evacuated for cleaning. I remember I was learning to dog paddle that day with my friend, Nick, and brother, Matt.

Maria and I did not visit the pool today, though. Instead we looked in on the sand castle contest that was still standing on the shores of the lake and took a brisk walk in some slightly rainy weather. The area is still gorgeous; even under a cloud cover and it was great to spend time with a friend again.

We arrived back in Abbotsford to a wonderful lunch of barbecued chicken and some fantastic bread with good family conversation all around me. I sure beat spending the afternoon cooking for myself again; although, I have eaten quite healthy this week. It's always nice to have company.

I am becoming rather attached to the idea of working north of the border. British Columbia has some amazing and spectacular scenery. Maria and I found this out when we failed to read the appropriate signs to put us back on the most direct road home. We certainly were not disappointed with our drive in the hills and along the Fraser River. The yellow trees, green grass and blues of the hills were quite vibrant when the sun peaked through the mostly-cloudy skies. The afternoon away made for a simply wonderful Sunday!

the last day

Friday rolled around and I packed up my bags one last time. My flight was at 11:50pm, so I had a day to spend in the city yet.

I called Shaun and met up with him late in the morning and we made plans to visit the Centro area of the city. This is where much of the original architecture remains and also holds the financial district of the city.

We took the Metra to Se. When we walked out of the station we found ourselves right smack in the middle of things. Looking up was the towers of Catedral da Se. This 1920's church was constructed in place of one standing from the 1800's. I think it would have been more fascinating to see the original, but, this building is quite impressive all the same.

Shaun and I walked through quietly and observed the greatness of the building; noting how disappointing it is that the awe-inspiring feelings we had often become common place within these bricks when you visit them daily, or weekly. The focus is then less on looking up towards God, but more on one's self, the function or routine of going to church, and the small busy things that life distracts us with.

Shaun also noted some colors on the pillars inside the cathedral. I snapped a few photos of these stained glass reflections. There is something very unique and wonderful about being in such a well-structured, deliberately-constructed place. I'm sorry that our culture has lost this sort of fantastic architecture for buildings that can be slapped together in a shorter amount of time.

We also toured through Sao Paulo's "wall street." This area only has pedestrian streets throughout. We also visited a lovely art museum and tried to interpret what we saw. Eventually we found ourselves back at the Metra and back on Paulista for a good-bye.

On my way back to the hotel, I snapped a photo of the colorful tiles that I walked by all week. These colors represented what I thought of Brazil. Very vibrant and colorful!

My trip to the airport was also a bit of an adventure. I started out with early intentions, and am quite glad that I did. First I had to withdraw a little extra money to purchase a bus ticket. Since my bank had been bought out on Friday morning, none of the international banks wanted to take my card. I even went in to speak with someone and could not get cash out of my debit account. Finally, after a last ditch effort to walk up the street to the only American bank I had seen, I forked out a $5 ATM charge and was able to get a little cash.

At the hotel, the airport shuttle was to drive right past and pick me up on its' loop around the city. However, due to traffic, the bus avoided Augusta altogether and left me hanging. The gentlemen at the hotel were kind to speak with. They gave me a coffee and kept me well-entertained while I sat there for the two hours. Only one man spoke English and told me that everyone at the hotel like my smile.

At the end of this time, all four men who had been keeping an eye out for the bus came out to get me in a taxi. I was to go to the bus station at Repulica and catch the bus there. When I arrived, Djerson, the receptionist had called the station to make sure I arrived alright. That was certainly nice!

I ended up catching another taxi with two other folks on the way to the airport as the bus was running late due to Friday traffic and the price was nearly the same if we split the taxi. It was a relief to be at the airport and have some time to collect my thoughts before flying north again!

back to the bustle

I woke up early on Thursday morning, packed my bags, ate breakfast, and walked to the bus station only to find that, again, the bus tickets were sold out for the morning trip to Sao Paulo. That meant I had four hours to spend in Paraty (no complaints there), but it also meant I would be rolling into the city after dark (not entirely comfortable).

I picked up some maracuya "cake" (passion fruit) from a man with a cart of these creamy, gelatinous sweets, but the carts were not out in the morning. After a few raindrops, the morning turned quite lovely. I took advantage of the clear skies to take in the town and snap a good number of door and window pictures from Paraty.

Finally, on the way out of town, I picked up a couple of mangoes, said goodbye to Melissa (our hostess with the mostest at the hostel) and headed off to catch my afternoon bus. Mist and rain couldn't ruin the view from up in the hills looking back at the beach. The trip was beautiful with gorgeous overlooks and so many different colors of green; some that I never knew existed in nature!

The rolling windy roads, the humidity, and the fact that I seemed to catch Charlie's cold made for some discomfort. But, I kept my nose to the windowpane to watch the scenery pass.

I made it into Sao Paulo at 7:30, or so, caught the Metra back to the Consalcao station and walked down to the August Park Suites Hotel where my other bag was still being stored. Djervens, one of the English speaking desk receptionists was there trying to convince me to stay longer than one night, but he did have a room. Relief!